Legal and Ethical Challenges of the Use of Nuclear Technologies in Space: Risks and Opportunities

Article
Open Access
by Larysa Soroka1, Anna Danylenko2 and Maksym Sokiran3
1 Scientific Institute of Public Law (Kyiv, Ukraine)
2 Information Analysis Center for Aerospace Law (Kyiv, Ukraine)
3 Scientific and Research Institute of Public Law (Kyiv, Ukraine)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29202/asl/14/6
Received: 04 December 2024 / Accepted: 18 December 2024 / Published: 30 December 2024

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Abstract

The article examines the concept of threats and risks of using nuclear technologies in the space sphere. In particular, it has been stated that the presence of a nuclear arsenal can act as a deterrent, forcing potential aggressors to reevaluate their actions. At the same time, the countries that do not possess nuclear weapons but are under threat of armed aggression often face limited assistance due to the unwillingness of partner states to scale up conflict or be engaged in direct confrontation. The example of Israel demonstrates how the presence of a potential nuclear arsenal and the geopolitical importance of the region contribute to increased military and political support from the United States and other countries. In the case of Ukraine, which renounced nuclear weapons after the signing of the Budapest Memorandum, selective military support limited to efforts to avoid direct confrontation with Russia is Legal and Ethical Challenges of the Use of Nuclear Technologies in Space: Risks and Opportunitiesby Larysa Soroka, Anna Danylenko, and Maksym Sokiran observed. The article emphasizes the interdependence between a country’s status as a nuclear or nonnuclear one, the level of international aid, and the threats associated with the use of nuclear technologies for military and space purposes. Despite the economic advantages of using nuclear energy sources in space activities, the need to activate initiatives aimed at strengthening commitments to the complete abandonment of nuclear weapons both on Earth and in space.

Keywords: nuclear energy sources, space activity, space security, non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, war, international rules and principles, risk, danger, legal regulation.

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Soroka, Larysa, Anna Danylenko, and Maksym Sokiran (2024) Legal and Ethical Challenges of the Use of Nuclear Technologies in Space: Risks and Opportunities. Advanced Space Law, Volume 14, 66-73.
https://doi.org/10.29202/asl/14/6
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